Should I take my trade-in to the mechanic to get the little things fixed before I trade it in?

Question

I am going to get a new car soon and the car I am driving now has little things wrong with it (like the back windshield wiper doesn't work properly), but everything major works just fine. Is it worth the cost to take my current car into the dealership to get all the small things fixed before I offer it as a trade in or does it matter that much? When you offer a trade-in, do they do an inspection of your vehicle then and there before determining what they want to offer you or do they just base it off the type of vehicle and mileage? PLEASE offer your advice, especially if you've had experience with trade-ins. Thanks!

Answer 1

As you are going to trade it in at the dealership, having minor things fixed is not going to up the trade-in value.

I never have had a dealership inspect my vehicle mechanically before offering a trade-in, only a visual one based on the exterior and cleanliness of the vehicle.

Most dealers run a CarFax report and they can tell if it has ever been an accident and I have heard of them putting it on a Smart Scope before to determine if there is anything major wrong with the car, either of which they may come back (especially if they are helping you to get financing) and say your trade-in was valued at less than originally estimated and offer to include the difference in the request for financing; however, if you debate the point and they think you will not go through with the deal and they will lose the sale, they may just let it go.

Answer 2

Don't bother to fix anything if your trading at a dealership, as an example your back windshield wiper the dealership can fix for less than half than what it would cost you.

I have appraised and bought thousand of vehicles over the years go to this web-page http://www.usedcartips.org/TRDE.html for an understanding how a dealer evaluates a trade.

If something is not clear feel free to contact me through the website for further assistance...good luck

Answer 3

Usually the dealership will test drive or inspect your car before telling you how much they will give you for it. So if it is just a few minor things, you may want to get them fixed. I wouldn't take your car to the dealership for the minor repair work though. U can probably find a local mechanic to do it for a lot cheaper. U don't have to worry too much about the quality of work since your getting rid of your can anyway.

Answer 4

They do the inspection, as they want to give you as little as you can. If you can afford to fix the little things, then do it.

Also, when buying your next car, buy a diesel powered model. Diesel is only as expensive as the mid grade fuel ( which is less than the primium that most new cars demand) and when Bio-diesel starts mainstreaming, you can put it into the same tank, without any changes, as you put petroleum diesel in. Biodiesel is the fuel that will keep America rolling and get us off Terror-oil sources.

Also note, that because petroleum will be disappearing in the next 10 years, the next car you buy, if it is not diesel will not be able to trade in or sell beyond salvage price and you will LOSE all value in it.

Answer 5

little things like that don't bother to do it, they will just change, it again, it's a thing like bald tyres funny brakes they will check that in the workshop that they check proper later, it would make No difference if you did repair. Look the best thing you could do, get the car detailed beforehand { cleaned inside out} don't forget a thing called engine give that one a clean too, gets rid of spilt oil grease, and could make a good impression too!! ( more trade in money!!??)

Answer 6

I say, don't bother! They usually just look at your car, take it for a quick spin and give you the money for it. They want you to buy that new car so badly they don't even look at your trade in that closely!

This past weekend, my hubby and I went to the dealership in his truck, didn't even bring my car that I planned on trading in for a car I was looking at, and the dealer just offered me $15,000 for my car w/out looking at it.

So, really, unless they point it out and make a big deal out of it, don't bother! :)